The stats from Saturday's stalemate between Bristol City and Millwall make for grim reading.

Just three shots on target for the home side as chances were hard to fashion. Neil Harris' stubborn Millwall team worked their socks off and were fully deserving of the point they took from Ashton Gate.

The side from the capital may only have two points to show for their efforts so far this campaign but that will soon change if the Lions keep playing the same way and putting in performances like the obstinate display that blunted the Robins' attack for the first time this season.

Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson on the sidelines against Millwall (Image: Dougie Allward/JMP)

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That succession of Millwall set-pieces early in the game strangled the life out of City and quietened the home crowd.

Instead, the away fans chanted their traditional song, remaining unliked and not caring a jot about it.

For head coach Lee Johnson it was another learning experience and the side's worst attacking display so far this campaign.

Only 10 shots were mustered in total and five corners forced, such was the stout defending of the visitors. Bobby Reid showed flashes of brilliance but it was too sporadic and the Robins never established a meaningful rhythm to their play.

Famara Diedhiou shoots against Millwall (Image: JMP 2017)

Famara Diedhiou, while perhaps lucky not to see red at the end of the first-half for a push on Jed Wallace, combined play well with several neat lay-offs. However, there was very little service coming his way.

Jamie Paterson and Josh Brownhill were unable to find the pockets of space that the pair usually dive into while Marlon Pack's passing went askew at times.

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With few crosses finding their mark and Millwall well organised, Bristol City's attacks lacked the precision needed to strike a telling blow.

The hardworking Lions front pair of Steve Morison and Lee Gregory chased and harried from the sharp end, battling for every ball and dropping back into midfield to stop the likes of Korey Smith being able to carry into advanced areas and start the forward proceedings.

Jamie Paterson of Bristol City shoots in the game against Millwall (Image: Joe Meredith/JMP)

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And if, likewise, the visitors didn't create a whole host of chances on goal, then it felt like eventually one set-piece would drop their way.

That it didn't was down to two factors: another magnificent Frank Fielding performance in goal - carrying on from where he left off at Brentford - as the 29-year-old continually scuppered the hopes of the Lions. And an improved City defensive shift, with Nathan Baker to the fore.

The former Aston Villa man made several timely interceptions to prevent Millwall finding the net, nicking the ball from Lee Gregory just before half-time and diving in to block several shots late in the match as the game opened up.

Eros Pisano of Bristol City (Image: Joe Meredith/JMP)

Supporting cameos by both full-backs and captain Bailey Wright mean that Lee Johnson can look back on a forgettable encounter but note that first shutout of the league season.